บท 19: Chapter 19: Kiana's Hip Sway
The Valkyrie exams at St. Freya Academy last about as long as a university exam period.
First, there's practical combat training, followed by academic subjects.
The training grounds at St. Freya Academy are similar to those at other Schicksal branches, using big data supplemented by semi-immersive devices.
These devices are somewhat like the next-gen wearable "Augma" in *Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale*. However, unlike Augma, the monsters simulated by the big data actually provide a real sense of impact and require direct personal participation.
This means that participants can get injured or even face death.
In the early stages of developing this training equipment, there were indeed significant casualties. However, the devices have since become more mature, with multiple layers of safety measures added to ensure the safety of the Valkyries.
As long as the "limitations" are not lifted, there won't be any fatalities.
These training devices allow the Valkyries to become familiar with fighting Honkai beasts in advance, so they won't freeze up when they face them on the battlefield later.
However...
"Kiana's fighting looks so... so..."
Bronya struggled to say the word "sexy."
During the combat training exam, Kiana's swaying hips, her flowing hair, and her curving, powerful, yet supple movements exuded a seductive and alluring charm.
This kind of fluid grace shouldn't appear in an innocent young girl but in a mature, elegant woman. And it was precisely because of this that the combination of an innocent maiden with a voluptuous charm created a sense of dissonance for Bronya.
Mei felt the same way. Just watching Kiana's fighting made her blush, and she awkwardly twirled a lock of her hair in her fingers.
Boom! Boom!
In the arena, Kiana leaped high into the air, her legs pressed tightly together like a gymnast, and her dual guns, *SylphⅠ*, spewed fire. A giant templar-class Honkai beast collapsed, turning into blue data particles that dissipated into the air.
Tap. Tap.
Kiana landed perfectly, her feet touching the ground in a flawless landing.
"How about that? Impressed by the great me?"
Kiana shot a provocative look at Bronya. But this time, she didn't get the response she expected.
Instead, Bronya's look seemed... strange. And not just Bronya—Mei too had a similar look, like she had just seen something unexpectedly shocking.
"??"
Kiana was confused.
"Hey, did my awesome combat skills surprise you?"
"That... um, is that the Kaslana family's gun kata?"
Mei asked hesitantly.
Theresa covered her face with one hand. "If Siegfried saw such... such a seductive version of the gunfighting technique, he'd probably disown Kiana."
"Dummy Kiana, was this how you always fought?"
Bronya hugged her Project Bunny, reminiscing.
"??"
Kiana saw the strange looks and snapped, "What? I don't understand what you're saying."
Bronya projected a recording. "Kiana, just watch the footage."
"!!"
The once-confident Kiana suddenly froze.
She recalled last night's tutoring session when Ye Feng had replaced the walls of the room with mirrors, allowing Kiana to clearly see her every movement. The way she swayed her hips in the mirror was indeed quite similar to her fighting today.
"You will surely become the greatest knight."
Kiana remembered Ye Feng's words. She had thought he was just comforting her. But was this what he really meant?
"Damn it!"
Kiana clenched her fists. Mei seemed to realize something and asked worriedly, "Is... is it the influence of that Stigmata?"
"Huh? No, no, no, it's not."
Kiana panickedly waved her hands, instinctively denying it, though she wasn't sure why.
"No, it has nothing to do with that. Ah, speaking of the Stigmata space, I have something really important to tell Aunt Theresa."
"During school, you should call me Principal. So, what's the matter?"
Kiana repeated Ye Feng's warning.
Theresa frowned slightly. "Something this important, and you're only mentioning it now?"
Kiana scratched the back of her head. "That guy said it wouldn't matter if I waited a few days. I was just focusing on the exams."
Everyone was left speechless. Theresa was almost furious. "Kiana, you really are my good niece. Putting aside whether what he said is true, it concerns your aunt's life, and you don't even feel a bit of urgency. I'm really heartbroken."
"Hehe, it's just that I don't believe it. Aunt Theresa is so strong; how could a mere pseudo-Herrscher be a match for her?"
"Of course."
Theresa crossed her arms proudly. "Your Principal is very strong. Wait, hang on—Kiana actually understands what a pseudo-Herrscher is? Not bad. It looks like you've been studying. Combat is important, but..."
"Yeah, yeah, I know, 'Knowledge is just as crucial. A Valkyrie's battlefield is not just about brute strength.' You've said it so many times, my ears are getting calloused."
...
As she watched Kiana and the others leave, Himeko came down from the control platform.
"Did you hear everything just now?"
"The pseudo-Herrscher at Thousand Feathers Academy?"
Theresa's expression was serious. "What do you think, Himeko?"
"If what he says is true, then there are two possibilities. One is that he has some ability to foresee the future. The other is that he can create pseudo-Herrscher, which would be the only way to 'predict the appearance of a pseudo-Herrscher.'"
Theresa nodded. "I thought the same thing. But why did he have Kiana deliver the message?"
Himeko replied, "I'm more curious about what kind of existence 'Ye Feng' really is. A Herrscher? A Stigmata? Or something else entirely beyond our understanding."
"Indeed, there are too many mysteries. But for now, it seems he doesn't have any ill intentions, nor has he done anything to harm Kiana or anyone else. We'll have to take it one step at a time."
"That's all we can do."
After discussing the serious matters, Himeko's expression turned mischievous. She draped an arm over Theresa's shoulder. "Hey, Principal, do you think it's possible that the consciousness in the Stigmata space likes you?"
"What are you talking about?!"
"I think it's very possible. After all, it specifically had Kiana deliver a message just to keep our adorable Principal from getting into danger. Isn't that love?"
"Rubbish!"
Theresa's face flushed as she grew flustered and annoyed. Himeko always made these inappropriate jokes just to tease her, and Theresa was well aware of it!
"Wait, I smell alcohol. Himeko, have you been drinking again?"
"Ahaha, no, no, I just had a tiny sip. It doesn't count."
"Fine, your salary for this month is gone."
"Eh? No way!"
"As a teacher, you should set a good example."
"You're just being vindictive!"
The training ground echoed with their playful bickering.
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